Robotic Tool Changer Piston Retarding Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic tool changers face issues with accidental disengagement due to vibrations or external forces, as the failsafe surface on pistons lacks sufficient opposing force to prevent movement from the locked to the unlocked position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a retarding surface on the piston that projects outwardly to retard the movement from the locked to the unlocked position, and a step on the piston stem to engage with the opening and restrain movement, providing additional resistance to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical failsafe surface parallel to the piston axis is used, then the piston can maintain a coupled relationship during fluid supply failure, but the piston can accidentally move past the failsafe position due to vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a retarding surface that creates opposing force before accidental movement can occur. The retarding surface is positioned to engage the rolling members and generate resistance against unintended piston movement caused by vibrations or external forces, preventing the harmful effect before it manifests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the failsafe surface by introducing a retarding surface with specific angular orientation and projection distance. This modifies the force interaction between the piston and rolling members, creating a controlled opposing force that prevents accidental movement while maintaining the failsafe function.
2Device complexity
If the failsafe surface is cylindrical and parallel to the piston axis, then the structure is simple, but there is no opposing force to prevent piston movement from locked to unlocked position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific region where the failsafe surface interacts with the rolling members. The retarding surface is positioned locally on the piston head to create the necessary opposing force, while the rest of the piston structure remains relatively simple. This localized modification adds the required force characteristic without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the retarding surface projects outwardly to create resistance, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the piston requires additional force to move from locked to unlocked position
Solution Approach 1:
The retarding surface creates preliminary anti-action by establishing resistance before unintended movement occurs. This prevents accidental disengagement by opposing vibrations and external forces. The same retarding surface is overcome by the intentional unlocking force, which is applied with sufficient magnitude and control to move the piston from locked to unlocked position when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents unintended disengagement by creating a slight resistance that must be overcome, ensuring the robotic tool changer remains securely locked and reducing the risk of accidental decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
the rolling members will cause a force to be directed against the piston head that will tend to drive the piston to the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic tool changer having a master unit and a tool unit adapted to be coupled together. Movably mounted in the master unit of the robotic tool changer is a piston that is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The piston includes a contact area having an unlocking surface, a failsafe surface and a locking surface. Also provided is a series of rolling members contained within a retention area that are actuated by the piston to lock the master unit to the tool unit. For example, the piston engages the rolling members and urges them into a locked relationship with a bearing race that forms a part of the tool unit. To prevent the inadvertent or accidental movement of the piston from the locked position to the unlocked position, the piston is provided with a retarding surface generally disposed between the locking surface and the unlocking surface on the piston for retarding the movement of the piston as the piston moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.